Following Part 1 (cold, pain, digestive), here's what to buy at a US drugstore for allergy, skin, wounds, eyes, sleep, and motion sickness — plus how to actually use a US drugstore. Same rule: shop by active ingredient, not brand.
Allergy / rhinitis
Second-generation antihistamines cause less drowsiness — good for daytime.
| Ingredient | Brand | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Loratadine | Claritin | Non-drowsy, once daily |
| Cetirizine | Zyrtec | Fast, mild drowsiness possible |
| Fexofenadine | Allegra | Non-drowsy |
| Diphenhydramine | Benadryl | Very drowsy; acute hives/itch, sleep aid |
| Fluticasone (nasal steroid) | Flonase | Ongoing nasal-allergy control |
Caution. A severe reaction — face/lip/tongue swelling, trouble breathing, whole-body hives (anaphylaxis) — is an emergency. Don't wait on antihistamines; call 911. If you have a known severe allergy, travel with a prescribed EpiPen.
Skin, wounds, itch, fungus, burns
| Symptom | Ingredient | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Wound ointment | Antibiotic (bacitracin) | Neosporin |
| Itch/rash/bites | Hydrocortisone 1% | Cortizone-10, Calamine |
| Athlete's foot | Clotrimazole/Terbinafine | Lotrimin, Lamisil |
| Sunburn/burn | Aloe vera, Lidocaine | Aloe gel, burn spray |
| Blisters/cuts | — | Band-Aid, blister bandage |
Deep or gaping wounds, animal bites, and large or blistering burns need care. This overlaps a first-aid kit.
Eyes — dryness, redness, allergy
| Symptom | Ingredient | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Dry eyes | Artificial tears | Systane, Refresh |
| Eye allergy/itch | Ketotifen drops | Zaditor, Alaway |
| Redness | Redness reliever (Visine) | Short-term only (rebound) |
Sleep and jet lag
| Use | Ingredient | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Jet lag / sleep rhythm | Melatonin | Melatonin (low dose to start) |
| Short-term sleep aid | Diphenhydramine | ZzzQuil, Unisom |
| Short-term sleep aid | Doxylamine | Unisom SleepTabs |
Antihistamine sleep aids can leave next-day grogginess. See beating jet lag. Start melatonin low.
Motion sickness
Take Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or the less-drowsy Meclizine (Dramamine Less Drowsy, Bonine) 30–60 min before travel. Wristbands and ginger help too.
How to use a US drugstore
- Where — CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart, Target; many 24-hour.
- Shelf (OTC) vs behind counter — grab most items off the shelf; only pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) needs the pharmacy counter and ID (no Rx).
- Pharmacist advice is free — describe symptoms and they'll suggest ingredients. Tell them your conditions/meds.
- No prescription drugs — antibiotics etc. need a doctor.
- Save with store brands — same ingredient, half the price.
- Keep receipts for travel insurance (payment tips: overseas card fees).
Children, pregnancy, chronic illness
- Children — use Children's products by weight/age, never split adult pills; no aspirin (baby fever).
- Pregnancy/nursing — many meds restricted; confirm with a pharmacist/doctor.
- Chronic illness/meds — BP, heart, liver, kidney, blood thinners: interaction risk. Be careful with Sudafed and NSAIDs.
When to see a doctor instead
- Trouble breathing, lip/face swelling → 911 now
- High fever that persists, confusion, severe dehydration
- Chest pain, weakness, slurred speech (heart attack/stroke signs)
- Bloody/black stool, severe abdominal pain, symptoms >3 days
Unsure? See ER or clinic? and travel emergencies.
FAQ
Which allergy meds aren't drowsy?
Claritin and Allegra are non-drowsy; Zyrtec is fast but mildly drowsy. Benadryl is very drowsy — skip it for daytime.
Can I buy melatonin here?
Yes — easily at any US drugstore (sold as a supplement). Start low; see jet lag tips.
How do I pick children's medicine?
Use Children's/Infants' products by weight/age. Never split adult pills; no aspirin for kids.
Even an unfamiliar aisle follows one rule: know the ingredient for your symptom, read the Active Ingredient label, and ask the pharmacist when unsure.
This is general health information, not medical advice. Follow label dosing; consult a pharmacist/doctor for children, pregnancy, chronic illness, or other meds. Emergencies need immediate care (911). See also Part 1 (cold, pain, digestive), travel emergencies, and first-aid kit.
